Review of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics – International Edition Volume 38 (2024) – Supplementary Issue 2

Published: 5 May 2024; https://doi.org/10.61873/ONPK3289

Abstract
Vasculopathy is typically seen in diabetic patients, and can lead to foot ulcerations. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) therapy was found to improve chronic wound healing in patients with vascular impairment. This type of therapy refers to the transcutaneous and subcutaneous application of CO₂ as well as CO₂ water baths for therapeutic purposes. In the method used herein, artificial CO₂-containing water for foot bathing was generated by dissolving Carbothera^® (MRE-SPA-MD; Mitsubishi Rayon Engineering, Tokyo, Japan) and generating CO₂ (free CO₂ concentration: 1,000–1,200 mg/L; pH 4.6). The foot of each patient was immersed in CO₂-enriched water (depth of 20–30 cm, 37–38°C, 30-min duration) three times per week, for the next three months. Dramatic clinical improvement was observed in the CO₂ water bath therapy group before and after the treatment, while both the blood levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor and of the tumour necrosis factor-alpha in these patients exhibited significant changes. The advantages of this method are the absence of pain and the protection against infection, while the improved angiogenesis and oxygenation can result in healing of the chronic wound.

Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer, carbon dioxide therapy, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumour necrosis factor-alpha

Please cite as:
Abdulhamza G.R, Mohammed N.H. Assessment of the CO₂ water bath therapy effectiveness on diabetic foot ulcers through VEGF and TNF-α levels. Rev. Clin. Pharmacol. Pharmacokinet. Int. Ed. 38(Sup2): 43-46 (2024). https://doi.org/10.61873/ONPK3289